Alex knew he was dreaming but it didn't make the nightmare any less real. He was running down a deserted street; running away from something that pursued him. The night was quiet except for the distant sound of traffic on the nearby highway. The sound of his running footsteps echoed hollowly off the buildings around him. He didn't know what was after him, but he was sure that if it caught up to him, it'd tear him apart.

He turned into a dark alley hoping to lose his pursuer. That's when he stumbled upon her

As he dropped to his knees next to her she spoke to him. But her words were so soft that all he could hear was his own heartbeat and his labored breathing. He leaned down towards her and tried to lift her in his arms. "Just go Alex, I'll be okay, it wants you, please go", she whispered.

They both heard it approaching; the faint light from the street elongated its shadow and kept its face hidden in darkness. Steph feebly gripped his arm and implored him to run. He gently removed her hand and stood. He wasn't going to lose her after finally having found her. If it meant he'd die here, tonight, then so be it. He steeled himself for what was to come.

As it walked closer he was able to make out its features. Stephanie let out a blood curling scream when she saw its face. Alex felt the breath knocked out of him, his body became numb and then the world was just a dark void which seemed to swallow him whole.

Alex didn't know how long he had been unconscious as he became aware of his surroundings with a sudden start. In his grip he felt something cold and briefly wondered what it was. Without time to even glance at his hand, he saw himself plunge the dagger into Stephanie's heart. He was powerless to stop and staggered towards her as she started to fall to the ground. He thought he heard himself scream but the sound seemed to come from a great distance. The last thing he saw before he blacked out was Stephanie on the ground.

Alex didn't know how he reached her for in what seemed like the next instant he was holding her lifeless body. They were both covered in blood. "NO!!!!"

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